Rylee Arnold, professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars,” embarked on a new romantic chapter in the fall of 2024, captivating fans with her budding relationship with USC football player Walker Lyons. Their love story unfolded publicly in October, beginning with a coy Instagram post by Arnold featuring photos of the couple at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The caption, “Is this a hard launch?? 🤭❤️🔥,” playfully hinted at the official unveiling of their relationship, sparking immediate interest and excitement among her followers. Arnold’s subsequent interview with Us Weekly further solidified the news, where she expressed her happiness and even joked about needing the approval of her “DWTS” partner, Stephen Nedoroscik, for the relationship to progress. The comparison of their relationship to the high-profile romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, both involving tight ends, added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement for fans.
The timeline of their romance traces back to September 2024, when Arnold, through a TikTok video, alluded to an upcoming date, concealing the identity of her suitor. Describing herself as “lowkey nervous,” she generated curiosity amongst her followers about the mystery man. Interestingly, around the same time, she publicly stated her single status in an interview with People, creating a slight air of mystery around her dating life. This apparent contradiction only fueled speculation and heightened anticipation for any developing relationship. The foundation for their connection was seemingly laid through shared mutual friends and engaging text conversations, indicating an initial spark of mutual interest before their first official meeting.
October 2024 marked a pivotal point in their relationship. Arnold documented her preparations for a date with an unnamed individual via another “get ready with me” TikTok video. Expressing excitement, she revealed that although she had never met him in person, they shared a network of mutual acquaintances and had been communicating frequently through text messages. The initial sparks of connection quickly ignited into a full-blown romance. Subsequent TikTok updates revealed their immediate chemistry, with Arnold gushing about their first two dates and their ease of conversation. The official confirmation of their relationship came towards the end of October, when Arnold shared photos with Lyons on Instagram, publicly acknowledging their connection. Beyond their shared interest and mutual attraction, their bond was further strengthened by their shared faith as Mormons.
The burgeoning romance quickly blossomed in the public eye. Just days after their Instagram debut, Arnold expressed her eagerness to embark on double dates with her “DWTS” partner, Stephen Nedoroscik, and his girlfriend, furthering the integration of Lyons into her social circle. By November, their relationship had reached another milestone with their red carpet debut at the Los Angeles premiere of “Wicked.” Lyons’ public declaration of Arnold as his “most beautiful” date underscored the growing affection and admiration between them. These public appearances solidified their status as a couple, showcasing their comfort and happiness in each other’s company.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of public events, their relationship continued to flourish in more intimate settings. Following the conclusion of “DWTS” season 33 in December 2024, Arnold shared a series of photos capturing tender moments with Lyons, from sitting on his lap to sharing embraces after his USC games. These glimpses into their private moments offered fans a deeper look into their growing connection, revealing a relaxed and affectionate dynamic. The end of the year culminated in a romantic getaway to Kauai, Hawaii. Arnold’s enthusiastic social media updates, filled with pictures and videos of their beachside activities, further cemented the strength of their bond and their shared enjoyment of each other’s company. The trip, described by Arnold as “100/10,” served as a perfect ending to a whirlwind year of newfound love and public affirmation of their relationship.
The narrative of Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons’ relationship is a classic tale of modern romance. From initial intrigue fueled by shared connections and texting to public declarations of love and affectionate gestures, their journey unfolded rapidly yet authentically. Their shared faith, common interests, and undeniable chemistry have laid a strong foundation for their relationship. The public embrace of their romance, from social media pronouncements to red carpet appearances, demonstrates their comfort and confidence in their budding love. As they navigated the public eye and shared intimate moments, their story resonated with fans, captivated by the genuine affection and happiness they exuded. The swift progression of their relationship, marked by key milestones within a few months, suggests a deep connection and a shared vision for their future.
The trajectory of Arnold and Lyons’ relationship, beginning with a veiled hint and culminating in a romantic Hawaiian getaway, illustrates the power of connection in the digital age. Their story, a mix of public displays and private moments, reflects the modern dynamics of relationships in the social media era. Their shared faith, alongside their respective career paths in entertainment and sports, adds a unique dimension to their narrative, highlighting their individual strengths while solidifying their bond as a couple. The enthusiastic reception from fans, drawing parallels to other high-profile couples, underscores the public’s fascination with their love story. As their relationship continues to unfold, their journey promises further captivating chapters filled with shared experiences and deepening affection.
